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on MENA - Middle East and North Africa |
| By: | Jamel Boukhatem (University of Tunis El-Manar); Marouane Alaya (University of Tunis El-Manar) |
| Abstract: | This study investigates economic growth convergence within the MENA region using a spatial econometric approach. The empirical findings reveal that environmental factors significantly influence the convergence process. Growth convergence appears to be shaped not only by each country’s idiosyncratic characteristics but also by environmental feedback effects from neighboring countries and the intensity of ecological spillovers. These spillovers are not limited to immediate (first-order) or contiguous neighbors; they also extend to higher-order neighbors and may ultimately impact the entire region. |
| Date: | 2025–10–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1797 |
| By: | Mohammad Reza Farzanegan (Philipps-Universität Marburg); Jerg Gutmann (University of Hamburg) |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the case of Iran to evaluate how changes in the intensity of international sanctions affect internal conflict in the target country. Estimating a vector autoregressive model for the period between 2001q2 and 2020q3, we find that an increase in sanction intensity causes an increase in both civil disorder and terrorism risk. In contrast, the risk of civil war declines after an increase in sanction intensity. These findings for Iran are consistent with our theoretical predictions and indicate that higher intensity sanctions against a stable autocracy with high repression capacity allow sender country governments to put pressure on a political regime without risking an outbreak of major violent conflicts. Therefore, more intensive sanctions may also not be helpful in inducing violent regime change in such countries. |
| Date: | 2025–08–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1786 |
| By: | Mohammad Reza Farzanegan (Philipps-Universität Marburg, Germany); Nader Habibi (Brandeis University, Waltham) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the impact of international economic sanctions, imposed on Iran due to its nuclear program, on the development of the middle class. Specifically, it investigates how the middle class in Iran would have developed in the absence of these sanctions post-2012. To address this question, we employ a synthetic control model to create a counterfactual scenario for Iran, using a weighted average of other comparable countries that mirror pre-2012 Iran, but did not experience significant international sanctions. By comparing the size of the middle class in this counterfactual Iran with the actual Iran that faced major economic sanctions, our results indicate that the annual middle-class size would have been approximately 11 percentage points larger, on average, without the post-2012 sanctions. Our findings are robust across various tests, including placebo tests and synthetic difference-in-difference analyses. The latter analysis shows that the estimated average effect of sanctions on the middle-class size of Iran from 2012 to 2019 is highly statistically significant. Finally, we provide evidence on the relevance of real GDP per capita, merchandise imports and exports, investment, industry value added, informal and vulnerable employment as key selected channels through which sanctions negatively affect the size of the middle class. |
| Date: | 2025–07–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1782 |
| By: | Cansu Bahçeci (Aydin Adnan Menderes University); Senay Birecikli (Dokuz Eylül University); Oznur (Izmir Bakirçay University); Eleftherios Giovanis (Izmir Bakirçay University) |
| Abstract: | In 2012, the Turkish government extended compulsory education from eight to twelve years. This article aims to examine the effects of a 2012 compulsory education law that made high school completion mandatory for youth with NEET (not in education, employment or training) status. The causal impact of the compulsory education reform is examined using a Regression Discontinuity Design. The study uses a pooled cross-sectional dataset created by merging the Turkish Statistical Institute (TURKSTAT) Household Labor Force Survey (HLFS) data from 2015 to 2023. The findings show that the 2012 Compulsory Education Reform increases NEET rates among youth aged 15-29 in Türkiye. This increase is particularly evident for females and in economically disadvantaged regions. Gender-specific effects reveal that the reform causes a significant rise in NEET rates among women, with the impact being more pronounced in the eastern regions, where traditional cultural norms are stronger. On the other hand, while the reform increases NEET rates for males in the South-eastern Anatolia (TRC) region, it does not lead to significant changes for males in other regions. |
| Date: | 2025–08–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1788 |
| By: | Mesbah Fathy Sharaf (University of Alberta); Abdelhalem Mahmoud Shahen (Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)); Mansour Abdullateef Alharaib (Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)) |
| Abstract: | This study explores the evolution, determinants, and disparities of digital financial inclusion (DFI) in Saudi Arabia from 2011 to 2021, with a focus on the post-COVID-19 period. Using micro-level cross-sectional data from the World Bank’s Global Findex database, we apply a multivariate Probit regression to examine the drivers of DFI across demographic, socioeconomic, and infrastructural dimensions. While Saudi Arabia has made notable progress in digital finance, gaps persist among women, the less educated, low-income groups, and the unemployed. Access to mobile phones and internet connectivity significantly enhances DFI, underscoring the role of digital infrastructure. As the first systematic analysis of DFI in Saudi Arabia using Global Findex data, this study provides timely insights into the inclusive digital transformation process. Importantly, it highlights how expanding equitable access to digital financial services can support broader goals of socioeconomic sustainability, reduce structural inequalities, and contribute to the Vision 2030 agenda. The findings offer practical guidance for policymakers seeking to design sustainable, inclusive financial ecosystems in the digital era. |
| Date: | 2025–07–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1783 |
| By: | Vladimir Hlasny; Yasmine Abdelfattah (Cairo University); Shireen AlAzzawi; Hala Abou-Ali; Rania Megally |
| Abstract: | Energy poverty across the Middle East and North Africa leads to health and growth hazards for millions of children, who are exposed and vulnerable to poor climate conditions at home. These hazards are heightened by the increasing occurrence of extreme temperature and precipitation events, as children become even more exposed and their organisms even more vulnerable to indoor climate conditions. This paper investigates the nexus between indoor and outdoor climate conditions, on the one hand, and children s anthropometric development (stunting, wasting) and mortality (neonatal and infant), on the other hand. Children s access to clean energy is gauged using a Multidimensional Energy Poverty Index or a principal component analysis score of households connection to electricity, and usage of clean fuels and cooking facilities. Highresolution temperature data are matched to households at the level of provinces. The analysis is applied to household-level microdata from 22 health surveys across ten MENA developing countries, and trends over time are assessed. We find that energy poverty has positive effects on longer-term anthropometric growth (i.e., risk of stunting) across most countries, but the effects on shorter-term or more acute health indicators, including wasting and mortality, are limited. Energy poverty is associated with stunting particularly in Morocco, Mauritania, Palestine and Tunisia. It is also modestly associated with infant mortality, especially in Morocco, Tunisia and Turkey. Girls, and children of wealthier, more educated parents in urban areas face lower stunting, wasting and mortality risks in most countries. These results underscore the necessity for targeted genderresponsive policies addressing energy poverty and climate resilience to improve child health outcomes in the region. |
| Date: | 2025–08–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1789 |
| By: | Nadine Yamout (American University of Beirut) |
| Abstract: | The MENA region has faced significant socio-economic and political shocks over the past decade, which impacted the fiscal stability of its economies. This paper explores how the fiscal fundamentals of these economies and the economic shocks they face influence their fiscal space, defined as the maximum level of sustainable debt net of actual debt as a share of GDP. Using a non-linear DSGE model with a state dependent fiscal limit that is calibrated using data from six non-oil-exporting and six oil-exporting MENA countries, I estimate the fiscal limit distributions for these economies. I also examine how shocks to productivity, public spending and government revenues affect the fiscal space, as well as how fiscal policy tools such as transfers and taxation shape debt sustainability. Key findings reveal that non-oil exporting MENA countries operate with more constrained fiscal positions, that government transfers and tax capacity play a major role in shaping fiscal limits, and that the fiscal resilience of oil-exporting MENA economies is primarily attributed to the oil revenues they generate. |
| Date: | 2025–08–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1787 |
| By: | Helmi Mansour (University of CarthageAuthor-Email: helmi.mansour.2022@ihec.ucar.tn); Monia Ghazali (University of CarthageAuthor-Email: monia.ghazali@ihec.u-carthage.tn) |
| Abstract: | Driven by climate change concerns and the transition toward renewable energy, the dynamics of global investment are shifting significantly. This rapid change is particularly concerning for MENA countries, as their dependence on oil revenues exposes their economies to substantial sustainability risks. In this context, soft power—an intangible form of influence rooted in a country's attractive qualities—emerges as a critical yet underexplored factor influencing the decisions of policymakers and investors. Using a dynamic panel model, the research first analyzes data from 77 countries, then narrows the focus to the MENA region to explore the relationship between soft power trends and inward FDI flows. The System GMM estimation results reveal that soft power has a positive and significant influence on inward foreign direct investment flows, with this effect being particularly strong in MENA countries. As such, this study highlights the strategic importance of leveraging soft power to enhance investment appeal on the global stage and serves as a reference for policymakers aiming to attract foreign investors, especially for MENA countries, where the need to move beyond oil dependence is becoming increasingly critical. |
| Date: | 2025–09–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1794 |
| By: | Marina HeshamAuthor-Name-First: Marina Author-Name-Last: Hesham (Cairo UniversityAuthor-Name: Ariane Dupont-Kieffer; University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne); Racha Ramadan; Hanan Nazier |
| Abstract: | Sexual harassment is a pervasive form of violence against women (VAW) worldwide. In Egypt, women frequently encounter harassment in public spaces such as streets and public transportation. Despite its prevalence, harassment remains an underexplored barrier to women’s access to economic opportunities. This study examines the impact of public space harassment on female labor force participation (FLFP) in Egypt, drawing on data from the Egypt Economic Cost of Gender-Based Violence Survey (ECGBVS) and the 2018 wave of the Egyptian Labor Market Panel Survey (ELMPS). Using discrete choice models, the analysis reveals that the effects of harassment vary significantly according to women's characteristics, particularly marital status. The findings indicate that married women, those aged 25 to 44, and urban residents are disproportionately negatively affected, with higher likelihoods of labor market withdrawal following harassment. The robustness of these results is confirmed through Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) and reduced-form regressions. Furthermore, mediation analysis highlights the critical role of husbands’ controlling behavior in shaping women’s responses to harassment. The paper concludes with a set of policy recommendations aimed at addressing these gendered barriers to labor force participation. |
| Date: | 2025–08–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1790 |
| By: | Mustapha Jouili (University of Carthage); Mohamed Amine Welleni (University of Carthage) |
| Abstract: | Since 2011, in a post-revolutionary context, the debate on the CGC in Tunisia has resurfaced with each finance law. In this debate, the surge in compensation charges is most often attributed to the surge in world prices and/or the increase in consumption of subsidized products. Such an analysis obscures a multitude of variables that are the expression of the economic policies implemented and that contribute to the variability of compensation charges. However, it is precisely the identification of these factors that can provide a reliable explanation of the reduction or increase in budgetary allocations granted under compensation and inaugurate avenues of reflection on the possibilities of reforming the subsidy system. And it is to the identification of these factors that this contribution is devoted. |
| Date: | 2025–12–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1816 |
| By: | Mesbah Fathy Sharaf (University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada); Abdelhalem Mahmoud Shahen (Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)); Mansour Abdullateef Alharaib (Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU)) |
| Abstract: | This study traces the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on real estate price dynamics in Saudi Arabia through a sectoral analysis of residential, commercial, and agricultural markets. Using an Interrupted Time Series (ITS) approach on quarterly data from 2015Q1 to 2024Q3, it identifies structural shifts in price behavior before, during, and after the pandemic. The model integrates key macroeconomic variables such as inflation, unemployment, and SAIBOR, and explores sector-specific responses. Results show that prices fell across all sectors during the pandemic, with the steepest drop in commercial real estate. Residential and commercial prices rebounded post-pandemic, while agricultural prices remained relatively stable. Government-led housing initiatives and infrastructure spending supported recovery, especially in the residential sector, whereas interest rate cuts eased the downturn but were less influential. Inflation and unemployment, however, continued to suppress demand and affordability. Robustness checks confirm the consistency of results under alternative specifications. The study underscores the importance of tailored policy measures, such as expanding affordable housing and regulating commercial lease terms. It also highlights the role of inflation and labor market stability in shaping long-term real estate outcomes. This is among the first studies to provide sectordisaggregated evidence on COVID-19 s real estate effects in a Gulf economy. |
| Date: | 2025–07–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1781 |
| By: | Mohammed Elhaj Mustafa Ali (University of Khartoum; University of Khartoum); Manal Osman Elhaj (Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University) |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the complex relationship between fertility and female labor force participation in the Arab region, where sociocultural norms often constrain women’s economic empowerment. Using panel data from 1991 to 2023 across 15 Arab countries, the analysis employs the Pooled Mean Group Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PMG-ARDL) model to address potential endogeneity and account for dynamic heterogeneity. The results show that higher fertility rates reduce labor market participation among women aged 15–64, while, somewhat unexpectedly, increasing participation among younger women aged 15–24. However, fertility is associated with higher unemployment rates in both age groups. These findings highlight the need for targeted policy interventions to support women’s employment, including expanded access to reproductive health services, flexible work arrangements, affordable childcare, and broader gender equity initiatives. The study’s key contribution lies in its region-wide, longitudinal approach, offering new insights that extend beyond previous country-specific or cross-sectional analyses. |
| Date: | 2025–08–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1792 |
| By: | Mounir Bellari (EMSI - Ecole Marocaine des Sciences de l'Ingénieur); Hanane El Amraoui (EMSI - Ecole Marocaine des Sciences de l'Ingénieur) |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the impact of digitalization in Supply Chain Management (SCM) on earnings management practices among Moroccan listed companies. Using a sample of 48 non-financial firms over the period 2016–2023, it examines how three key digital SCM tools, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), and Digital Tracking Systems (DTS) influence the extent of discretionary accruals as a proxy for earnings management. Relying on panel logistic regression models with robust standard errors, the findings reveal that ERP adoption and digital tracking technologies significantly reduce earnings management, thereby enhancing financial transparency and information reliability. These results support the assumptions of agency theory, transparency theory, and institutional theory, which suggest that digitalization can mitigate information asymmetry and opportunistic managerial behavior. However, EDI use exhibits no significant relationship, indicating that its impact depends on the level of technological integration and organizational maturity. Overall, this study contributes to the emerging literature on digital transformation and financial governance by providing empirical evidence from an emerging market context, emphasizing how SCM digitalization fosters ethical reporting and strengthens corporate accountability in Morocco. |
| Abstract: | Cette étude examine l'impact de la digitalisation de la gestion de la chaîne logistique (SCM) sur les pratiques de gestion des résultats au sein des entreprises marocaines cotées. En s'appuyant sur un échantillon de 48 sociétés non financières sur la période 2016–2023, elle analyse dans quelle mesure trois outils numériques clés de la SCM — l'Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), l'Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) et les systèmes de traçabilité numérique (DTS) — influencent l'ampleur des accruals discrétionnaires utilisés comme proxy de la gestion des résultats. En mobilisant des modèles de régression logistique sur données de panel avec erreurs standards robustes, les résultats montrent que l'adoption de l'ERP et des technologies de traçabilité numérique réduit significativement la gestion des résultats, renforçant ainsi la transparence financière et la fiabilité de l'information comptable. Ces conclusions corroborent les postulats de la théorie de l'agence, de la théorie de la transparence et de la théorie institutionnelle, selon lesquels la digitalisation permet d'atténuer l'asymétrie d'information et les comportements opportunistes des dirigeants. En revanche, l'usage de l'EDI ne présente aucune relation significative, suggérant que son impact dépend du niveau d'intégration technologique et de la maturité organisationnelle. Dans l'ensemble, cette étude contribue à la littérature émergente sur la transformation digitale et la gouvernance financière en apportant des preuves empiriques issues d'un marché émergent. Elle souligne ainsi la manière dont la digitalisation de la SCM favorise un reporting éthique et renforce la responsabilité organisationnelle au Maroc. |
| Keywords: | EDI, ERP, Morocco, Supply chain digitalization, Earnings management, Discretionary accruals, Digital tracking systems, Digital tracking systems Discretionary accruals Earnings management EDI ERP Morocco Supply chain digitalization |
| Date: | 2025–10–17 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05379537 |
| By: | Yusra Alkasasbeh (Northeastern University) |
| Abstract: | Egypt’s female labor force participation remains among the world’s lowest, at 16 percent in 2023. Results indicate that 13.8 percent of women aged 16-64 who got married before the age of 18 work 1.2 percentage points less than their peers who did not marry early. Additionally, 16.3 percent of these women had a first birth before 20, working 1.7 percentage points less than those who delayed childbirth. However, after controlling for age, schooling, maternal background, and region, survey-weighted logit average marginal effects for early marriage and early childbirth are statistically indistinguishable from zero (p > 0.10), suggesting that lower employment reflects differences in human capital rather than transition timing. Interaction terms show that the employment premium associated with secondary or higher schooling is erased by early marriage (AME = –0.051, p |
| Date: | 2025–07–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1785 |
| By: | Mohammed Elhaj Mustafa Ali1 (University of Khartoum; Academic Center for Education, Culture, and Research (ACECR)); Hamed Najaf (UN Administrative and Budgetary Expert, Iran Representative) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in advancing peacebuilding in Sudan via promoting youth employability using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model and time series data from 1992 to 2023. The findings indicate that both FDI and financial development substantially decrease youth unemployment rates over the long run. Conversely, the findings reveal that elevated inflation rates lead to higher youth unemployment over time. Furthermore, we find that the prevalent rates of youth unemployment considerably hamper peacebuilding efforts both in the short and long run. The primary conclusion is that augmenting FDI inflows can facilitate peacebuilding initiatives within the Sudanese setting by broadening employment prospects for unemployed youth. Accordingly, by harnessing FDI inflows strategically, Sudan can create a more inclusive labor market that not only provides employment opportunities but also fosters stability and peace. |
| Date: | 2025–05–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1775 |
| By: | Wafa Khémiri (Manouba University) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the impact of liquidity creation on the efficiency of Islamic banks. More precisely, it examines the curvilinear relationship between liquidity creation and Islamic bank efficiency in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. To do this, a sample of 34 Islamic banks is selected over the period 2012-23. Employing a system GMM technique to address issues of endogeneity, the outcomes reveal the existence of an inverted U-shaped nexus between liquidity creation and Islamic bank efficiency, signaling the risk of excess liquidity. Additionally, CSR disclosure, audit quality, the Shariah Supervisory Board, and institutional quality moderate this relationship. This study provides several important implications for bank managers and policymakers in effectively managing excess liquidity risk and optimizing the efficiency of Islamic banks. |
| Date: | 2025–09–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1793 |
| By: | Marina Hesham (Cairo University); Ariane Dupont-Kieffer (University of Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne); Racha Ramadan (Cairo University) |
| Abstract: | Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is the most widespread form of violence against women globally, affecting roughly one in three women. Although its direct consequences for women’s health and well-being are well established, much less is known about how IPV affects the next generation. This study investigates the relationship between various forms of IPV and health outcomes among children under the age of five in Egypt, where mothers are the main caregivers. Drawing on nationally representative data from the 2014 Egyptian Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), we explore the effects of IPV on three key child health indicators: birth weight, morbidity, and nutritional status. To mitigate selection bias, we apply Propensity Score Matching (PSM) methods. The results reveal that exposure to IPV during pregnancy leads to significantly lower birth weights. Moreover, children of mothers who experience IPV face higher risks of illness and worse nutritional outcomes, particularly an increased likelihood of wasting. |
| Date: | 2025–09–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1795 |
| By: | Yusra Alkasasbeh (Northeastern University – Arlington) |
| Abstract: | Marriage and motherhood both represent key milestones in commitment and family responsibilities. In this context, this paper explores how women's agency in Jordan is influenced by these roles, along with education level. It highlights three elements of instrumental agency: choice-making, financial independence, and mobility—along with intrinsic agency, which is assessed through attitudes toward domestic violence among married women. The sample consists of women between the ages of 15 and 59 from the 2010 and 2016 Jordan Labor Market Panel Surveys (JLMPS). Findings suggest that motherhood reduces women's likelihood of participating in household decision-making yet enhances their freedom of mobility and intrinsic agency. The change in the impact of motherhood on both decision-making and intrinsic agency is insignificant, with education acting as a moderating factor, all else equal. Marriage increases the probability of achieving greater financial independence but restricts mobility compared to single women under similar conditions. Education significantly amplifies the positive effects of marriage on financial autonomy but does not change the impact of marriage on the freedom of mobility. |
| Date: | 2025–05–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1776 |
| By: | Mohamed Amara (University of Tunis) |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the impact of sub-Saharan African immigrants on the Tunisian labor market, as well as their economic, social, and psychological integration pat- terns, with a focus on the migration influx since the Tunisian uprising of 2010-11. Using annual micro-level household labor force surveys and data from the last two population censuses on the concentration of immigrants by country of origin, we identify the impact of sub-Saharan Africans on the Tunisian labor market. Furthermore, the pa- per uses the first Tunisia Households International Migration Survey (Tunisia-HIMS) to understand the labor market results of sub-Saharan immigrants and their social integration compared to immigrants of other origin. Using a difference-in-differences (DiD) research design, we find a negative and significant immediate impact of sub- Saharan immigrants on the average annual earnings of local workers in micro-firms in the retail trade and food service sectors between 2011 and 2014. After 2014, there is a significant negative impact on employment in low value-added sectors, particularly in the building sector. The results of the Multidimensional Integration Index show that social and psychological integration is particularly challenging for sub-Saharan immigrants, especially for young people, the uneducated and women. |
| Date: | 2025–12–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1815 |
| By: | Mustapha Chaffai (University of Sfax); Amir Saadaoui (University of Sfax); Imam Mohammad (Ibn Saud Islamic University) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the herding behavior in Islamic banking sector of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries (GCC countries). We examine in this paper the impact of the conventional banking sector on the herding behavior on Islamic banking sector. As well, we study the nexus between herding behavior and Islamic moral finance and economy. Based on daily data ranging from January 5, 2015, to September 4, 2023, and by using the methodology of Chang et al. (2000), we conclude the evidence of herding behavior at lower tail of the distribution. When we consider the possibility of existence of asymmetries between downward and upward market periods, we conclude that there is evidence of herding in Islamic banking sector only at the lower tail of the distribution during down market period. The study also shows the interdependencies between Islamic and conventional banking sector, and that the dispersion in conventional banking returns influence the Islamic banking returns. Also, we find that Islamic banking sector herd around conventional banking sector during down market period at upper tail only. This may be due to the non-confidence of investors in Islamic sector to rely on their decisions to the conventional banking sector. Finally, based on the DCC-GARCH model, we find a dynamic condition correlation between cross sectional absolute deviation CSAD and Islamic Financial Indicator in the short and long term. |
| Date: | 2025–12–15 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1817 |
| By: | Asena Caner (TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ)); Belgi Turan (TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ)); Berna Tari Kasnakoglu (TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ)); Yenal Can Yigit (TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ)); Donald S. Kenkel (TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ)); Donald S. Kenkel (TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ)); Alan D. Mathios (TOBB University of Economics and Technology (TOBB ETÜ)) |
| Abstract: | This study examines consumer preferences for manufactured cigarettes, roll-your-own cigarettes, and e-cigarettes in Türkiye, focusing on the impact of product attributes—such as price, legal status of e-cigarettes, and flavor availability—on consumer choices. Using a discrete choice experiment (DCE) embedded in an online survey, the research analyzes how these attributes influence decisions among Turkish adults, with a particular emphasis on the implications of regulations like e-cigarette bans. The findings reveal significant price sensitivity, both regarding the own price of products and the prices of substitute products. Additionally, the results suggest that regulatory measures, especially those targeting legal status, play a crucial role in shaping public health outcomes and consumer behavior. |
| Date: | 2025–08–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1791 |
| By: | Mohammed Elhaj Mustafa Ali (University of KhartoumAuthor-Name: Eltayeb Mohamedain Abdalla; University of Kassala); Haytham Abdelghfar Abdallah (University of Kassala) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the health and economic repercussions of the 2018 Chikungunya epidemic on households in Kassala State, Sudan, drawing on primary survey data from 407 households sampled proportionally across the localities of Kassala, Rural Kassala, and Rural West Kassala. The epidemic was characterized by widespread prevalence, with infection rates highest in urban areas due to greater population density and vector exposure. The study finds that existing socioeconomic vulnerabilities—particularly high illiteracy rates, female-headed households, and low-income prevalence in rural localities—substantially exacerbated financial pressures on affected households. The results from the ordered logistic regression reveal that Chikungunya infections significantly increase out-of-pocket health expenditures (OOPHE), and health insurance offers notable financial protection. Furthermore, the probit regression analysis confirms that catastrophic health expenditure (CHE), defined as OOPHE exceeding 20 percent of household income, is common across all income groups and strongly correlated with infection status. Elevated OOPHE is further shown to depress household consumption levels, thereby deepening poverty risks—especially among economically disadvantaged groups. In coping with these health shocks, the majority of households turned to borrowing and informal support networks, highlighting the limited reach of formal safety nets. Taken together, these findings point to the urgent need for robust public health interventions, expanded insurance coverage, and strengthened financial protection systems. Enhancing epidemic preparedness through improved vector control, health education, and equitable access to healthcare is essential to safeguarding vulnerable populations and promoting resilience in Kassala State and similar contexts. |
| Date: | 2025–07–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1784 |
| By: | Narimen Rdhaounia; Malek Elweriemmi; Mohamed Kouni |
| Abstract: | This article investigates the dynamic interrelationships between the shadow economy, inflation, and economic growth in 15 countries of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region over the period 1991–2017. The study employs a simultaneous equations framework estimated through the Three-Stage Least Squares (3SLS) method, complemented by system GMM to address potential endogeneity issues. Empirical results reveal a bidirectional causal link between the shadow economy and inflation, highlighting their mutual reinforcement: the expansion of informal activities intensifies inflationary pressures by eroding public revenues and prompting monetary financing, while rising inflation encourages informal sector growth as agents seek protection against purchasing power erosion. Additionally, a two-way relationship between inflation and economic growth emerges, where moderate inflation can stimulate economic activity, but persistent high inflation hampers growth through price distortions and reduced real incomes. The shadow economy negatively impacts economic growth, with evidence showing that higher GDP levels reduce informality by expanding formal employment and compliance incentives. Nonetheless, the persistent size of the informal sector poses significant challenges for fiscal capacity and public investment, affecting infrastructure and social services. The robustness of these findings is confirmed through complementary estimation techniques. The article provides insights into the complex macroeconomic interactions characteristic of MENA economies, with important implications for policy aimed at promoting formalization, price stability, and sustainable growth. |
| Keywords: | Shadow economy, inflation, economic growth, MENA region, Three-Stage Least Squares (3SLS), GMM. |
| JEL: | E26 E31 O47 C31 C13 |
| Date: | 2026–01–03 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:eei:rpaper:eeri_rp_2026_03 |
| By: | Mohammed Elhaj Mustafa Ali (University of Khartoum); Abdul-Hameed Elias Suliman (University of Khartoum) |
| Abstract: | This study primarily aims to test the applicability of the inverted U-shaped Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis to Sudan using time series data from 1970 to 2022. The study is driven by the rise in greenhouse gas emissions—such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4)—during the last decades in which the country became an oil producer and exporter. To achieve this objective, the study employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) co-integration technique, which is well-suited for analyzing short- and long-run relationships. Following the essential pre-tests, the analysis reveals a significant integrated relationship among the variables under consideration. The primary finding of the analysis is that the EKC in Sudan follows a U-shaped pattern. This implies a direct relationship between economic development and environmental deterioration, particularly in terms of CO2 emissions. The findings also highlight that the continuous growth in energy consumption, electricity production, and urbanization directly contributes to environmental degradation. Based on these results, the study proposes a number of recommendations, including policy interventions and behavioral changes, aimed at addressing the environmental imbalance identified in the analysis. |
| Date: | 2025–05–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1777 |
| By: | Heba Y. Hashem (Cairo University); Mahmoud Mohieldin; Mamdouh Abdelmoula M. Abdelsalam |
| Abstract: | This paper investigates the relationship between inflation in and a set of domestic and external factors to provide an assessment of the determinants of inflation dynamics in Egypt. The analysis adopts ordinary least squares (OLS) and quantile regression based on monthly data for headlines and core inflation from 2005 to 2024. A nonlinear auto regressive distributed lag (NARDL) is conducted to explore the asymmetric impacts for determinants in the short run and the long run. Finally, the paper uses forecast analysis within multivariate models to explore the future path of inflation after different shocks in explanatory variables. The results demonstrate that the main significant variables that help explain inflationary pressures are monetary financing, banking sector financing to the government, and the volatility of the exchange rate. There is also an asymmetric effect for exchange rate changes in the short run, where depreciations result in significant increases in inflation. Furthermore, the interest rate tool of monetary policy becomes ineffective at high levels of inflation. This has critical policy implications, shedding light on the role of unconventional monetary policy tools like forward guidance, asset purchases, and term funding facilities in curbing inflation. Priorities for policymaking should include reducing budget deficits, as ensuring a sustainable path of the fiscal deficit would curb the rising inflation. Finally, given the significance of monetary financing and banking sector financing to the government in explaining inflationary pressures, effective implementation of inflation targeting as a framework for monetary policy can contribute to stabilizing inflation rates, as it implies freedom from fiscal dominance and limiting excessive monetary growth. |
| Date: | 2025–06–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1779 |
| By: | David Koll; Andrea Medici; Ms. Marina Mendes Tavares; Mr. Masashi Saito |
| Abstract: | Since 2016, Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 reforms have improved governance, business regulations, capital markets, the labor market, and the external sector, narrowing structural gaps with frontier economies and improving economic performance. This paper summarizes progress, estimates the output impact of the reforms, notes challenges, and highlights future priorities for continued growth and diversification. |
| Keywords: | Structural Reforms; Growth; Labor Market; Business Regulation; Governance; Capital Markets; International Factor Movement; Saudi Arabia |
| Date: | 2026–01–23 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2026/014 |
| By: | Mevlude Akbulut-Yuksel (Dalhousie University); Dozie Okoye (Dalhousie University); Belgi Turan (TOBB University of Economics and Technology) |
| Abstract: | This study examines the long-term effects of the PKK conflict in Turkiye, using a difference-in-differences approach to exploit variations in conflict intensity across regions and cohorts. Our findings indicate that exposure to conflict during childhood significantly reduces educational attainment and adversely affects labor market outcomes in adulthood. Specifically, affected individuals are less likely to complete primary and secondary school and are more likely to be informally employed or engaged in low-skill jobs. In addition, exposure to conflict is associated with lower skill levels and a decreased likelihood of employment in the formal and manufacturing sectors, especially for males. Furthermore, we find that parental exposure to conflict negatively impacts the health outcomes of their children, particularly their height and weight for age, although the educational impacts generally do not persist into the second generation. These results are robust to the use of alternative samples and specifications, including controlling for migration and excluding the less affected regions and the major urban centers. Our findings highlight the profound and lasting impact of conflict on human capital development, emphasizing the importance of targeted policies to support affected children. |
| Date: | 2025–12–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1818 |
| By: | Azizi, Hamidreza; Werenfels, Isabelle |
| Abstract: | The higher turnout in Iraq's recent parliamentary elections reflects advances over the past four years, notably in infrastructure development, security, and political stability. The election's outcome and ensuing coalition-building dynamics underscore trends and challenges that will shape Iraq's domestic and foreign policies. The yet-to-be-formed government will have to balance between the United States and Iran, facing US demands for disarmament of Iraq's armed groups, managing repercussions of potential instability in Iran, and resisting being drawn into any new confrontation between Iran and either Israel or the United States. It will also have to deal with substantial domestic challenges, including strained relations between Erbil and Baghdad, the potential for renewed Sunni alienation from the state, the future of the Popular Mobilization Forces, financial fragility, and consequences of climate change. European actors have limited influence over the geopolitical dynamics, but can offer support on national development and climate challenges, and should back Baghdad's striving for stronger agency and sovereignty. |
| Keywords: | Iraq, parliamentary elections, United States, Iran, Israel, instability, disarmament, Erbil, Baghdad, Popular Mobilization Forces |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:swpcom:335926 |
| By: | Yusra Alkasasbeh (Northeastern University) |
| Abstract: | In 2023, Jordan's fertility rate has decreased to 2.6 children per woman. This decline is linked to women achieving higher levels of education, which contributes to their empowerment. This study analyzes the number of births by estimating several linear regressions and mediation models to examine how married women’s gender role attitudes influence the relationship between education and fertility. The data used comes from the Jordanian Labor Market Panel Surveys (JLMPS) conducted in 2010 and 2016. Women’s gender role attitudes were assessed using a 10-statement continuous scale reflecting their agreement with gender role statements. The findings indicate a strong connection between education and fertility rates. Specifically, an increase in years of education is significantly linked to lower fertility rates. Women who demonstrate intrinsic agency and hold egalitarian beliefs about gender typically have fewer children than those who adhere to unequal gender norms. Additionally, married women with higher levels of education are more likely to possess egalitarian attitudes and beliefs regarding gender roles compared to those with lower educational attainment. However, married women’s attitudes toward gender roles do not mediate the relationship between education and fertility. To further promote women’s empowerment, programs should focus on enhancing educational opportunities for women and encouraging more egalitarian views on gender roles. |
| Date: | 2025–06–20 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:erg:wpaper:1780 |
| By: | Sanaa Dfouf; Kaoutar Errakha; Hanan Elharissi (FEG SETTAT - Faculté d’Économie et de Gestion de Settat); Mohammed Khaouja (ERMOT - Laboratoire "Etudes et recherches en Management des Organisations et des Territoires" [Fez] - USMBA - Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah); Fekkak Hamdi |
| Abstract: | In this study, the use of AI in marketing in Morocco is assessed, showcasing the disparity in the use of this technology per sector. Adoption is very advanced in the Banking and E-commerce sectors (92% and 78%, respectively), where chatbots and predictive analytics are used, achieving an ROI of 3.2 years. In contrast, SMEs and other traditional sectors have much more difficulty (23% adoption) because of the initial investment of 380, 000 MAD on average and the local expertise drain (only 12% of the trainers in academia have any knowledge about AI).SMEs sit within the longest timeframes (3.2 years) to see positive ROI, while large companies see it in 1.8 years, highlighting the disparity of digital maturity in sectors. 367 professionals from diverse sectors participated in the survey, and the quantitative results show the positive impact of AI on performance, achieving a 22% decrease in acquisition costs, 34% increase in customer satisfaction, and 27% increase in marketing ROI. Additional barriers encumber the expected results, including cultural (scepticism from 44% of managers) and geographic (78% of all projects are concentrated in Casablanca and Rabat).Using a score of 3.2/5 for Adoption, Morocco is ranked higher than Egypt, 3.0, but still lacks behind South Africa, 3.8, which possesses a more advanced technological ecosystem. To boost adoption, the study recommends: (1) Partnerships between universities and businesses to provide custom training, (2) A policy for the rational use of data, and (3) Local, affordable (language, mobile-first) tailored pockets for the informal sector/SMEs.Based on the above, the promise AI offers Morocco is tangible, but not without the need for customized and differentiated policies to address interregional and inter-sector imbalance. For this to happen, coordinated action from the public and private sectors and academia will be necessary to support the shift. |
| Keywords: | Artificial Intelligence Data-Driven Marketing Digital Transformation Developing Countries SMEs Sectoral Adoption, Artificial Intelligence, Data-Driven Marketing, Digital Transformation, Developing Countries, SMEs, Sectoral Adoption |
| Date: | 2025–11–25 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05383511 |
| By: | Diouani Hela (FSEGT - Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion de Tunis - UTM - Tunis El Manar University [University of Tunis El Manar] [Tunisia] = Université de Tunis El Manar [Tunisie] = جامعة تونس المنار (ar)) |
| Abstract: | Déclaration de divulgation : L'auteur n'a pas connaissance de quelconque financement qui pourrait affecter l'objectivité de cette étude. |
| Keywords: | Relational Learning -Customer value -Service innovation -Transformational leadership - |
| Date: | 2025–11–11 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05380648 |
| By: | Nour Nsiri (UMR MoISA - Montpellier Interdisciplinary center on Sustainable Agri-food systems (Social and nutritional sciences) - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement, CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes); Georgios Kleftodimos (CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes, UMR MoISA - Montpellier Interdisciplinary center on Sustainable Agri-food systems (Social and nutritional sciences) - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement); Sophie Drogué (UMR MoISA - Montpellier Interdisciplinary center on Sustainable Agri-food systems (Social and nutritional sciences) - Cirad - Centre de Coopération Internationale en Recherche Agronomique pour le Développement - IRD - Institut de Recherche pour le Développement - CIHEAM-IAMM - Centre International de Hautes Etudes Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - Institut Agronomique Méditerranéen de Montpellier - CIHEAM - Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditerranéennes - INRAE - Institut National de Recherche pour l’Agriculture, l’Alimentation et l’Environnement - Institut Agro Montpellier - Institut Agro - Institut national d'enseignement supérieur pour l'agriculture, l'alimentation et l'environnement) |
| Abstract: | Context To improve agricultural productivity and water sustainability in water-scarce regions, it is essential to understand the efficiency and diversity of farming practices Objective This study aims to assess the diversity and efficiency of farming systems in Morocco's Chtouka-Massa plain. It focuses on resource management, agricultural intensification, and water use, identifying inefficiencies and proposing sustainable solutions. Methods Using Principal Component Analysis and Hierarchical Clustering, we classify 40 farm households into three distinct typologies: (i) extensive cereal-arboriculture systems, (ii) semi-intensive mixed cereal-vegetable systems, and (iii) intensive vegetable farming systems. A meta-frontier approach combined with Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is then applied to assess disparities in resource efficiency, technological performance, and environmental sustainability among these typologies. Results and conclusions Our results show that extensive cereal-arboriculture systems exhibit the highest resource efficiency—particularly in water, nitrogen, and labor—but achieve the lowest gross margins due to limited agricultural intensification. Semi-intensive mixed systems demonstrate moderate efficiency but consume the largest amounts of water, largely sourced from subsidized private wells. Intensive vegetable farming systems, while generating the highest gross margins, are the least efficient due to high input costs, reliance on desalinated water, and labor-intensive practices. Targeted policy interventions are needed to optimize resource use and promote sustainable practices adapted to each farming typology. Significance This study provides actionable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance the sustainability of agricultural systems and groundwater resources in arid and semi-arid regions. The findings support the need for targeted policies to enhance groundwater management. |
| Keywords: | Farm household typology, Efficiency, DEA Model, Meta-Frontier, Farm household typology Efficiency DEA Model Meta-Frontier |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05398998 |
| By: | Ahmed Azougagh (LIREFIMO, FSJES, USMBA, FES - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Économie, Finance et Management des Organisations, Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Économiques et Sociales, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fès, Maroc); Soussi Charaf Eddine (LIREFIMO, FSJES, USMBA, FES - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire de Recherche en Économie, Finance et Management des Organisations, Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Économiques et Sociales, Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Fès, Maroc) |
| Abstract: | Facing a growing crisis of confidence in traditional institutions and an increasing demand for more democratic practices, the participatory governance approach offers relevant solutions to territorial challenges linked to sustainable development. Participatory governance directly involves citizens in decision-making processes, while sustainable territorial development aims to foster economic growth that is environmentally responsible and socially equitable. This study examines how these two approaches can complement one another, emphasizing the crucial role of citizen participation in creating development models that are both more sustainable and more democratic. It also discusses key principles of participatory governance such as transparency, inclusion, deliberation, and accountability. Several theoretical perspectives enrich this analysis, including deliberative democracy and empowerment theory. The objective of this research is to explore the relationship between these two concepts based on data collected in the Fès–Meknès region. It also includes secondary goals such as contributing to theoretical understanding and assessing the impact of participatory governance on sustainable and inclusive development in the region. |
| Abstract: | Face à la crise de confiance dans les institutions traditionnelles et à la demande de plus de démocratie, l'approche de la gouvernance participative offre des solutions aux défis territoriaux en relation avec le développement durable. D'autre part, La gouvernance participative implique directement les citoyens dans la prise de décision, tandis que le développement territorial durable cherche à promouvoir une croissance économique respectueuse de l'environnement et équitable sur le plan social. Ce travail examine comment ces deux approches peuvent se compléter, en mettant en avant l'importance de la participation citoyenne pour créer des modèles de développement plus durables et démocratiques. Il discute aussi des principes de la gouvernance participative tels que la transparence, l'inclusion, la délibération, et la responsabilisation. Divers courants théoriques enrichissent cette réflexion, notamment la démocratie délibérative et la théorie de l'empowerment. L'objectif de la recherche est d'explorer la relation entre ces deux concepts en se basant sur des données collectées à Fès-Meknès, et inclut des sous-objectifs comme l'enrichissement théorique et l'évaluation de leur impact sur le développement durable et inclusif dans la région. |
| Keywords: | Linkages JEL Classification: O35 Paper Type: Empirical Research, Social Innovation, Liens Classification JEL: O350 Type du papier: recherche empirique Social and Solidarity Economy, Innovation sociale, économie sociale et solidaire, économie sociale et solidaire Innovation sociale Liens Classification JEL: O350 Type du papier: recherche empirique Social and Solidarity Economy Social Innovation Linkages JEL Classification: O35 Paper Type: Empirical Research |
| Date: | 2025–11–26 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05389267 |
| By: | Chaimae Lazzarou (Bank Al-Maghrib – Central Bank of Morocco) |
| Abstract: | This paper estimates Morocco's natural interest rate (NIR) using two approaches: a standard HLW-type framework and an augmented specification that incorporates external factors, namely imported inflation, and movements in the real effective exchange rate. The results point to a downward trend in the natural rate following the Global Financial Crisis and an increase during the post pandemic inflationary episode. The REER-augmented model delivers higher estimates than the baseline, particularly in periods of inflationary pressures. On average, the natural interest rate is estimated to stand at around 2.6 percent over the sample period, implying a negative interest rate gap relative to the policy rate. |
| Keywords: | Natural interest rate; Monetary policy; Small open economy; Bayesian estimation |
| JEL: | E43 E52 F41 C11 |
| Date: | 2026–02–05 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:gii:giihei:heidwp01-2026 |
| By: | Riga Qi |
| Abstract: | Urbanization is generally accompanied by development. However, whether abrupt unintended urbanization can stimulate future progress is an open question. The French government constructed thousands of Centres de Regroupement (resettlement centers) in Algeria during the Independence War, to which the army forcefully relocated around 2.5 million civilians. The policy took these civilians away from their previous agricultural lives, and concentrated them within prison camps. Using the heterogeneity in treatment across regions, Difference-in-Differences estimates show that the policy has a persistent negative impact on the population growth overall but a continuing positive impact on urbanization. To address the endogeneity, I use the facts that i) the army implemented the policy out of purely military concerns and ii) the whole process lacked coherent planning from the authority. The findings provide novel insights into the long-run economic impacts of unintended urbanization. |
| Keywords: | Colonial Policy, Forced Resettlement, Urbanization |
| JEL: | F54 J11 N47 O15 |
| Date: | 2025–12 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:cer:papers:wp806 |
| By: | Delespesse, Elise; Martin-Shields, Charles |
| Abstract: | Ces dernières années, le Maroc est passé du statut de pays de transit et d'émigration à celui de pays d'installation. Cette évolution est en grande partie due à l'augmentation des restrictions frontalières et des refoulements, lesquels ont rendu les routes migratoires vers l'UE moins accessibles. En conséquence, Casablanca, qui accueillait déjà des migrants de manière durable, s'affirme désormais davantage comme un lieu central d'installation urbaine que comme une étape transitoire du parcours migratoire. Des entretiens menés avec des ONG et des OSC travaillant avec des migrants urbains et des personnes déplacées à Casablanca ont mis en évidence les façons dont la coopération au développement peut avoir un impact positif sur les contextes de migration urbaine. En effet, l'attitude plus permissive des autorités locales de Casablanca à l'égard des communautés migrantes contraste avec les pratiques policières répressives courantes à Rabat et dans les zones frontalières, ouvrant ainsi un espace à l'émergence d'organisations informelles de migrants au sein des communautés d'accueil. Ces organisations sont devenues des interlocuteurs clefs des institutions officielles, jouant un rôle essentiel dans le rétablissement de la confiance des migrants et des communautés d'accueil envers celles-ci. Avec le soutien des OSC et des ONG, les communautés elles-mêmes ont également trouvé des moyens de favoriser l'inclusion et la coopération. Les valeurs islamiques et la tradition marocaine d'hospitalité influencent la mise à disposition des biens communs au niveau des ménages et des quartiers. Les communautés d'accueil et les migrants bénéficient également, sur le plan légal, des services d'éducation et de santé fournis par les organisations gouvernementales et non gouvernementales. Le principal défi consiste àgarantir que toutes les parties soient informées des services qui leur sont accessibles, dans de nombreux cas indépendamment de leur statut migratoire. Pourtant, le discours contemporain sur la migration et le déplacement au Maroc est imprégné de xénophobie, d'exclusion et de racisme, problèmes aggravés par un environnement médiatique très critique à l'égard des migrants et des personnes déplacées. Néanmoins, les experts ont souligné l'impact des interactions positives répétées entre les migrants et les communautés d'accueil pour tempérer ces discours hostiles. Messages politiques clefs : - La santé, l'éducation et le logement sont des besoins universels pour les communautés d'accueil et les migrants. Il faut veiller à ce que les programmes financés soient accessibles à toutes les personnes vivant dans le quartier, qu'elles soient hôtes ou migrantes, et que les espaces, services ou ressources auxquels ils aboutissent constituent des biens communs autour desquels l'identité de la communauté peut se construire. - Il est essentiel de faire connaître l'histoire des migrations dans les zones d'arrivée. Ces récits peuvent aider les organisations internationales à contextualiser leurs programmes et à inscrire l'immigration et les installations dans une histoire plus large autour de laquelle peut se construire une identité inclusive. Renforcer la coopération entre les organisations au niveau des villes et des municipalités à l'échelle nationale. La coopération entre les villes peut combler les lacunes en matière de connaissances sur la politique migratoire nationale et réduire la dispersion des efforts des OSC et des ONG qui travaillent avec les migrants. |
| Keywords: | Migration, déplacement, frontières, cohésion sociale, Casablanca, Maroc |
| Date: | 2026 |
| URL: | https://d.repec.org/n?u=RePEc:zbw:idospb:335915 |